Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors that are mistreatment of animals—from neglect (depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care) to torturing, maiming, mutilating, and killing animals. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes.
In Nebraska, animal cruelty is addressed under the Nebraska Revised Statute 28-1008 to 28-1018. The state differentiates between animal cruelty and animal neglect. Animal cruelty is considered a Class I misdemeanor for a first offense, which involves knowingly and intentionally killing, maiming, disfiguring, or cruelly beating an animal. Subsequent offenses within five years may result in a Class IV felony. Animal neglect, which includes the failure to provide necessary food, water, or shelter, or care to prevent suffering, is also a Class I misdemeanor. Additionally, Nebraska has provisions for seizure of mistreated animals, court-ordered psychological counseling for offenders, and restrictions on owning animals for those convicted of animal cruelty or neglect. It's important to note that certain activities, such as hunting, fishing, and trapping, are exempt from these laws under specific circumstances.